On 4 September 2019, the UK Government announced that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, freedom of movement will continue until 31 December 2020. However, after Brexit, EEA and Swiss nationals, along with their spouse or partner and children under 18 can voluntarily apply for European Temporary Leave to Remain (‘Euro TLR’), which will be a free, online application and subject to criminality checks. The status will be valid for 36 months from the date of grant and does not restrict allowed activities.

The advantage of holding Euro TLR is that time spent with this status can be counted towards settlement in a category that leads to settlement under the immigration system that is due to be implemented from 1 January 2021.

Those who do not apply for Euro TLR or under another immigration category must leave the UK by 31 December 2020.